Mauritius Escape

Mauritius: history

Nobody lived on Mauritius when the Dutch arrived in 1598. They named it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The dodo, a bird found nowhere else, was extinct within a century. The French came in 1715 and planted sugar, and the British took the island in 1810.

From 1834, workers were brought from India to the sugar estates. Most landed at the Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. About two-thirds of the people today are of Indian origin. Mauritius became independent in 1968.

Mauritius: tourist attractions

• Île aux CerfsA catamaran day to an island in a turquoise lagoon.
• Seven Coloured EarthDunes in seven shades at Chamarel, with a tall waterfall close by.
• Ganga TalaoThe sacred lake at Grand Bassin, with a great statue of Lord Shiva.
• Port LouisThe waterfront, the Central Market and the Aapravasi Ghat.
• Pamplemousses GardenAn 18th-century botanical garden with giant water lilies.
• Le MorneA dramatic mountain by the sea, a UNESCO site.
• Black River GorgesViewpoints over forested valleys.
• Grand BaieBeaches, boats and shopping in the north.

Mauritius: excursions nearby

• Trou aux Cerfs at CurepipeThe crater of an old volcano.
• Casela Nature Park on the west coastAnimals, zip lines and safari drives.
• Tamarin Bay on the west coastEarly-morning boat trips to see dolphins.
• Blue Bay in the south-eastA marine park seen from a glass-bottom boat.
• Île aux Aigrettes by boat from MahébourgA small island reserve with giant tortoises.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.